Today I am super excited to welcome to RFTC author Elisabeth Naughton. Elisabeth will be a featured author at the Olde City, New Blood mini-con that is taking place in St. Augustine this coming February and I am super excited to meet her. Elisabeth is the author of the Eternal Guardians series and is also a member of Rock*It Reads. Please give Elisabeth a warm welcome.
A former junior high science teacher, Elisabeth Naughton traded in her red pen and test tube set for a laptop and research books. She now writes sexy romantic adventure and paranormal novels full time from her home in western Oregon where she lives with her husband and three children. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards including the prestigious RITA® awards by Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, The Golden Leaf and the Golden Heart. When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ballpark or dreaming up new and exciting adventures.
First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Absolutely! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Elisabeth Naughton and write both romantic suspense and paranormal novels. My work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the prestigious RWA RITA awards, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, the Golden Heart and the Golden Leaf and has topped multiple bestseller lists. My next book out is ENSLAVED, book five in my Eternal Guardians series, which centers around a group of warriors descended from the heroes of Greek mythology who protect the human realm from threats born of the Underworld.
Did you always want to be a writer?
No. In fact, I didn’t even consider writing until I was 30. I never really saw writing as a viable career choice. I was too focused on a career that was stable and one I could do long term. Originally, I’d considered going to medical school, but by my senior year in college I was burned out and needed a break from tests and papers and studying. I went on to get my masters degree instead and taught junior high science for 9 years before taking another much needed break (from tests and papers and studying!) It was during this time that I was reading a lot and thought, “You know, I could do that!” The first book I wrote was a learning experience, and I had no intention of writing anything else, but when I finished, I realized I’d caught the writing bug and had truly found what I was supposed to be doing. Today, work doesn’t feel like work. I love my job in a way I never loved school or even teaching, and I wake up each morning thrilled with the knowledge I get to do something I love for a living. And it’s a nice surprise to learn writing IS a viable career choice.
What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
I’m a mix of both. My critique partner calls me a “planster”. When I start a book I usually know the main conflict, the emotional black moment and the resolution. Everything else is fuzzy. I generally plot about 3 chapters at a time, also known as “plotting in the mist.” For me, the fun of writing is never truly knowing what’s going to happen next in the story.
Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere. I never know when an idea is going to strike. Sometimes I get ideas watching movies, other times from reading news articles. I’ve even had ideas hit me while walking through the lobby of a fancy hotel or sitting in a sidewalk café, people watching.
A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
I think this is longer than 140 characters but…it’ll have to do.
He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld. She’s his last chance for salvation. Their journey won’t just test her loyalty to the gods, it’ll prove whether or not he still has a heart worth saving.
What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I tend to have eclectic reading tastes depending on my mood. I love fantasy stories –The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones. I also love light-hearted contemporary romances by authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibson. I use to read a lot of romantic suspense, but find I prefer the lighter variety RS over the serial killer stories that seem to be popular with NY, so I don’t read as much of it as I’d like anymore. I do find it hard to read within my genre when I’m writing though, so when I’m working on my Eternal Guardians series, I can’t read paranormals, and when I’m working on a romantic suspense, I can’t read RS.
Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Perfect, by Judith McNaught. It’s a contemporary romance written back in the early 90s about a famous Hollywood actor sent to prison in Texas for murder who escapes and takes a school teacher hostage. A friend gave me the book years ago and said, “You have to read this. It’s one of those books you just never want to end.” I thought she was high at the time, especially because the first few chapters were slow and filled with so much backstory my head felt like it might explode. But then I got into the story and couldn’t stop turning the pages. Nowadays, if you were to examine the book as a writer, you’d see it breaks every writing rule out there—too much backstory, too much telling, long info dumps, head hopping, the use of actual Hollywood stars as characters (who are now old and date the book!)—BUT…it’s one of those stories that stays with you. You NEVER want it to end. I fell in love with Julie and Zach and reread that book at least once per year. In fact, Perfect has been a real inspiration to my own writing. The emotional reaction I had to that book is unlike any other reaction I’ve ever had to a book. And when I’m writing my own stories, I often think about that. The way I felt after reading it is how I want readers to feel after reading my work.
What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
Love Scenes. By far and away the hardest scenes to write—no pun intended. I strive to make each one unique, and because I know readers look forward to these scenes, there’s pressure to make each better than the last. Let’s face it, a romance novel can have an incredible cast and an amazing plot, but if the characters don’t connect on a physical level, in a way that is satisfying and believable to the reader, then the book won’t end up on any keeper shelves. And my goal as an author is to wind up on as many keeper shelves as possible.
If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Hm…always a hard question. My first inclination is to say…J.R.R Tolkien, because his world building is so incredible; C.S. Lewis, because his books were the first fantasy books I read as a kid; and J.K. Rowling because she is the quintessential example of someone who never gave up…BUT…I can't. Why? Because my critique partner has threatened bodily harm if I don't say the following:
Joan Swan…because she's a totally awesome author; Joan Swan…because she puts up with me on a daily basis; and finally…Joan Swan, of course! (The last because I'm slightly afraid of her.)
Although, hm…three Joan Swans…I'm not sure even God himself could handle that!
Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Right now I’m working on the 6th Eternal Guardians book, tentatively titled SCORCHED, due out for release in spring 2013.
Don't miss your chance to meet Elisabeth Naughton at the Olde City, New Blood mini-convention in St. Augustine, FL this coming February 8-10th. Need MORE of an incentive to come chill out with some awesome authors by the beach?? How about if you win FREE REGISTRATION?? That's right... this week we're having a blog-hop-style contest and you could win your way in!!
To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form, AFTER you answer the blog question in the comments below. All of the featured bloggers for the event will be hosting special guests from Olde City, New Blood this week (September 30th – October 6th) and every post is another chance for you to enter to win. There will be additional chances to enter at some of the featured authors' websites, as well. There will be 3 winners, who will be chosen randomly from all entries, announced on October 7th. (Winners will be responsible for their travel and hotel costs, but their registration fees will be covered by the mini-con!!) For a complete list of blog posts and extra author entries, please see the official contest announcement on the website.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Places to find Elisabeth:
First off, can you tell us a bit about you?
Absolutely! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Elisabeth Naughton and write both romantic suspense and paranormal novels. My work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the prestigious RWA RITA awards, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, the Golden Heart and the Golden Leaf and has topped multiple bestseller lists. My next book out is ENSLAVED, book five in my Eternal Guardians series, which centers around a group of warriors descended from the heroes of Greek mythology who protect the human realm from threats born of the Underworld.
Did you always want to be a writer?
No. In fact, I didn’t even consider writing until I was 30. I never really saw writing as a viable career choice. I was too focused on a career that was stable and one I could do long term. Originally, I’d considered going to medical school, but by my senior year in college I was burned out and needed a break from tests and papers and studying. I went on to get my masters degree instead and taught junior high science for 9 years before taking another much needed break (from tests and papers and studying!) It was during this time that I was reading a lot and thought, “You know, I could do that!” The first book I wrote was a learning experience, and I had no intention of writing anything else, but when I finished, I realized I’d caught the writing bug and had truly found what I was supposed to be doing. Today, work doesn’t feel like work. I love my job in a way I never loved school or even teaching, and I wake up each morning thrilled with the knowledge I get to do something I love for a living. And it’s a nice surprise to learn writing IS a viable career choice.
What kind of writer are you? Panster or Plotter?
I’m a mix of both. My critique partner calls me a “planster”. When I start a book I usually know the main conflict, the emotional black moment and the resolution. Everything else is fuzzy. I generally plot about 3 chapters at a time, also known as “plotting in the mist.” For me, the fun of writing is never truly knowing what’s going to happen next in the story.
Where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere. I never know when an idea is going to strike. Sometimes I get ideas watching movies, other times from reading news articles. I’ve even had ideas hit me while walking through the lobby of a fancy hotel or sitting in a sidewalk café, people watching.
A la Twitter style, can you describe your book (or series) in 140 characters or less.
I think this is longer than 140 characters but…it’ll have to do.
He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld. She’s his last chance for salvation. Their journey won’t just test her loyalty to the gods, it’ll prove whether or not he still has a heart worth saving.
What are some of your favorite kinds of stories to read?
I tend to have eclectic reading tastes depending on my mood. I love fantasy stories –The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe, The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones. I also love light-hearted contemporary romances by authors like Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibson. I use to read a lot of romantic suspense, but find I prefer the lighter variety RS over the serial killer stories that seem to be popular with NY, so I don’t read as much of it as I’d like anymore. I do find it hard to read within my genre when I’m writing though, so when I’m working on my Eternal Guardians series, I can’t read paranormals, and when I’m working on a romantic suspense, I can’t read RS.
Do you have a favorite book and if so what is it?
Perfect, by Judith McNaught. It’s a contemporary romance written back in the early 90s about a famous Hollywood actor sent to prison in Texas for murder who escapes and takes a school teacher hostage. A friend gave me the book years ago and said, “You have to read this. It’s one of those books you just never want to end.” I thought she was high at the time, especially because the first few chapters were slow and filled with so much backstory my head felt like it might explode. But then I got into the story and couldn’t stop turning the pages. Nowadays, if you were to examine the book as a writer, you’d see it breaks every writing rule out there—too much backstory, too much telling, long info dumps, head hopping, the use of actual Hollywood stars as characters (who are now old and date the book!)—BUT…it’s one of those stories that stays with you. You NEVER want it to end. I fell in love with Julie and Zach and reread that book at least once per year. In fact, Perfect has been a real inspiration to my own writing. The emotional reaction I had to that book is unlike any other reaction I’ve ever had to a book. And when I’m writing my own stories, I often think about that. The way I felt after reading it is how I want readers to feel after reading my work.
What are the scenes that are the hardest for you to write?
Love Scenes. By far and away the hardest scenes to write—no pun intended. I strive to make each one unique, and because I know readers look forward to these scenes, there’s pressure to make each better than the last. Let’s face it, a romance novel can have an incredible cast and an amazing plot, but if the characters don’t connect on a physical level, in a way that is satisfying and believable to the reader, then the book won’t end up on any keeper shelves. And my goal as an author is to wind up on as many keeper shelves as possible.
If you could have dinner with any three authors, who would you choose and why?
Hm…always a hard question. My first inclination is to say…J.R.R Tolkien, because his world building is so incredible; C.S. Lewis, because his books were the first fantasy books I read as a kid; and J.K. Rowling because she is the quintessential example of someone who never gave up…BUT…I can't. Why? Because my critique partner has threatened bodily harm if I don't say the following:
Joan Swan…because she's a totally awesome author; Joan Swan…because she puts up with me on a daily basis; and finally…Joan Swan, of course! (The last because I'm slightly afraid of her.)
Although, hm…three Joan Swans…I'm not sure even God himself could handle that!
Last question, are you working on anything right now?
Right now I’m working on the 6th Eternal Guardians book, tentatively titled SCORCHED, due out for release in spring 2013.
GRYPHON—Honorable, loyal, dependable…tainted. He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld changed him in ways he can’t ignore.
She calls to him. Come to me. You can’t resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there’s only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can’t be sure what’s real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realm from threats of the Underworld, want to exile him. They’re not sure he can be trusted.
Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn’t feel the pull of the dark when she’s near. And he’s determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But proximity spurs temptation. A temptation that will test every last bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld or free him from his chains for good.
Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barens & Noble | The Book Depository |
Check out the Eternal Guardians series:
Click on cover for more info.
Don't miss your chance to meet Elisabeth Naughton at the Olde City, New Blood mini-convention in St. Augustine, FL this coming February 8-10th. Need MORE of an incentive to come chill out with some awesome authors by the beach?? How about if you win FREE REGISTRATION?? That's right... this week we're having a blog-hop-style contest and you could win your way in!!
To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form, AFTER you answer the blog question in the comments below. All of the featured bloggers for the event will be hosting special guests from Olde City, New Blood this week (September 30th – October 6th) and every post is another chance for you to enter to win. There will be additional chances to enter at some of the featured authors' websites, as well. There will be 3 winners, who will be chosen randomly from all entries, announced on October 7th. (Winners will be responsible for their travel and hotel costs, but their registration fees will be covered by the mini-con!!) For a complete list of blog posts and extra author entries, please see the official contest announcement on the website.
Lots of great goodies up for grabs. Check out all of the great prizes you can win.
Up for grabs:
- 1 lucky winner will win a copy of ENSLAVED (International Shipping Available)
- 3 lucky winner's from BLOG HOP will win Registration to Olde City, New Blood mini-con.
To Enter:
- Please leave a comment answering the following question: What author would you like to meet at a convention?
- Please fill out each Rafflecopter form
Good Luck =)
a Rafflecopter giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway
I have a few authors I would love to meet. Elisabeth of course, J R Ward, Larissa Ione, and Donna Grant. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet Jeanine Frost and J.R. Ward!
ReplyDeleteOkay it's IMPOSSIBLE to pick just one so I'll just go with my top 6: Tessa Dare, Joan Swan, Elizabeth Hoyt, Laurann Dohner, Elisabeth Naughton and Larissa Ione. And I STILL feel bad for not including other fantastic authors o_0
ReplyDeleteGena Showalter
ReplyDeleteLets see... Elisabeth of course, Thea Harrison, Larissa Ione, J.R.Ward, Donna Grant, just to name a few. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth, Thea Harrison, NJ Walters, Lora Leigh, Lauren Dane, Jaci Burton. And the list could go on and on and on!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post and giveaway! I'd love to meet Elizabeth, Thea Harrison, Nora Roberts, Jennifer Crusie... etc. etc. etc. :)
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteThere are so many on my list of authors I would love to meet, but I will name a few: of course Elizabeth Naughton, Amanda Carlson, Amanda Bonilla, Victoria Dahl, Jillian Stone, Shana Galen...and so on and so on :)
Thanks for the chance
Pam
tpibrew@msn.com
I'd love to meet so many authors JR Ward, Cynthia Eden, Lauren Dane, Larrisa Ione, this list goes on and on and on...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Lauren Dane, Lisa Kleypas, Debbie Macomber & of course Elizabeth - plus many more.
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
Too many to name, but top would be Laurell K Hamilton, Lauren Dane, Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Melissa Schroeder, Elle Kennedy, JR Ward, Cynthia Eden, and Elizabeth of course. I love to read and love my authors.
ReplyDeletechristinebails at yahoo dot com
I would love to meet Elisabeth Naughton and Joan Swan.
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet Elisabeth Naughton and Joan Swan.
ReplyDeleteI've met quite a few fantastic authors at the one RT Convention book signing and the two RWA Convention book signings I've attended, including some of my favorite authors - Jennifer Estep, Jeaniene Frost and Keri Arthur. The author I'd still love to meet is Charlaine Harris, and I'd like to meet Zoe Archer and Cherie Priest as well.
ReplyDeleteI want to meet tons of authors, but at this particular one I want to meet Tawdra Kandle, Mandie Stevens, and Christine Powell just to name a few!
ReplyDeleteI am with some of the others, Elisabeth! Also Delilah S. Dawson who will also be attending.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to meet Elisabeth once (she's so cool and I got my book signed...a double treat!). I would love to meet JR Ward and Lora Leigh.
ReplyDeleteivegotmail8889@yahoo.com
There are so many I'd like to meet: Shana Galen, Tessa Dare, Kylie Griffin, Katharine Ashe just to name a few.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to meet Gordon and Ilona Andrews.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I have so many authors that I'd like to meet. Elisabeth N, Joan Swan, Will Versuch, Alexandra Ivy, Mia Marlowe, Cynthia Eden, Zoe Archer, Vonna Harper, Claire Thompson, and the list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteI love the Elisabeth's book covers!!
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
I can't wait for this one :) I'm looking forward to meeting Laura Kaye! Well, really, looking forward to meeting a lot of the authors :)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Anna
I would like to meet Charlaine Harris and Gena Showalter. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to meet Larissa Ione or Gena Showalter. Thank you.
ReplyDeletevsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to meet Neil Gaiman. His writing is unique.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I would love to meet Johanna Lindsey, she's my favorite historical romance author ^^
ReplyDeletei want to meet amanda quick...sherylin kenyon...lisa kleypass....felicity heaton .... :D
ReplyDeletethx u so much for this giveaway :)
Sorry, there is just no way I can say I have one or two fave authors...There are about 30 that I purchase their books automatically, and Elisabeth is among those. Some others...Laurann Dohner, Terry Spear, Gabrielle Bisset, Tes Hilaire, Elisabeth Staab, NJ Walter, Lisa Kessler, Donna Grant, Alexandra Ivy, Deborah Cooke....you get the picture. ;) There are just too many wonderful writers out there to just have one or two faves.
ReplyDeleteSome of the authors mentioned above are going to this great convention and I would love to meet them all!
Thank you for this giveaway!!
I would like to meet Elizabeth Hoyt.Her books are fab.
ReplyDeleteThanks for giveaway/contest.
I'd love to meet a lot of different authors but mostly I think either Ann Aguirre, Mercedes Lackey or David Weber (but only because Anne McCaffrey sadly died earlier this year :( )
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Nora Roberts!! I loveeee her In Death series so so much! And I would love to meet her someday! :D
ReplyDeleteROTFLMAO....Good girl! You may live for another day!!
ReplyDeleteSo many authors I'd love to meet! J.R. Ward, Jeaniene Frost, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Karen Marie Moning, Maya Banks...just to name a few. And of course, Elisabeth Naughton and Joan Swan!
ReplyDeleteI would have too many to name! Cynthia Eden, Elisabeth, Thea Harrison, Jeaniene Frost, jr Ward, Gena Showalter and I could keep going!!!!
ReplyDeleteLoving these answers! I've met most of the authors mentioned here and I can tell you all...they're all as awesome as you think they are!
ReplyDelete:)
i have so many authors i would like to win, gena showalter, kresley cole, felicity heaton, larissa ione, jeaniene frost, nalini singh. thanks ^^
ReplyDeletesunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have many name, like Lisa Kleypas, Nalini Singh, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nora Robert/JD Robb etc etc.
ReplyDeleteWould love to meet Jenienne Frost, Larissa Ione, JR Ward just to name a few. Elisabeth Naughton is also on the list
ReplyDeleteI want to meet Darynda Jones, Lisa kleypas, Gini Koch, Johanna Lindsey and many more :)
ReplyDeleteI would really like to meet RA Salvatore.
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet Keri Arthur, Victoria Dahl, Jill Shalvis, and Jeaniene Frost. I will meet Elisabeth in October with Joan Swan.
ReplyDeleteI would love to meet Lisa Kleypas, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Stephanie Laurens, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christine Feehan, Kristen Ashley etc etc etc...
ReplyDeleteNora Roberts
ReplyDeleteOf course, Elisabeth Naughton...but if I had to choose others: Kristen Ashley, Ann Aguirre, and Darynda Jones.
ReplyDeleteLove this series! thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to meet Nalini Sing, Maisey Yates and Nora Roberts
ReplyDelete